DUNDALK has become a happy hunting ground for Stephen Thorne since he took out his training licence in the autumn, and he saddled his second double at the Co Louth venue courtesy of Shoot To Kill and Perfect Judgement.

A change of tactics saw Shoot To Kill held up in mid-division in the Dundalk Stadium Champion Trainer and Jockey Awards 2024 Handicap. The seven-year-old gelding stayed on well for Jack Kearney to take over inside the final 100 yards. He was kept up to his work to win by half a length at 11/2 for Shamrock Thoroughbreds.

Thorne said: “We left it (tactics) up to Jack depending on what way he breaks and ride him accordingly. He used his head and gave him a brilliant ride. Probably one of the first nights that he has been dropped in.”

Perfect double

Jamie Powell did the steering on Thorne’s Perfect Judgement in the Botanica International Apprentice Rated Race over a mile.

The 6/1 shot was another produced from off the pace as he moved into a threatening position outside the final furlong. He finished off best of all to lead in the final 50 yards and hit the line with half a length in hand for Shamrock Thoroughbreds.

Thorne said: “He showed a turn of foot from the back of the field, but probably a race where it set up nicely for him. There was a bit of a pace collapse inside the final furlong and it suited him perfectly.”

Galvanised

Sharkii’s late surge was rewarded in the Happy Christmas From All At Dundalk Stadium Maiden over six furlongs.

The 6/4 favourite was under pressure in fourth a furlong out, however, Colin Keane galvanised him and he really found his stride to get up by a neck close home for trainer Diego Dias and Mark Daniel Racing Limited.

Keane said: “I’d say he actually feels like a horse that could actually end up going further. Maybe he is after relaxing with racing. He felt like a horse who needed every yard of the six and would have no problem going seven.”

INCHIQUIN Maid is a maiden no more as, on her 31st start, she tasted success in the William Hill Top Price Guarantee Handicap over two miles.

This was actually her first appearance for Chris Timmons and the Stitched Pockets Syndicate’s mare was nicely backed down to 7/2.

She raced close to the pace and Robert Whearty sent her on inside the two pole. She edged left throughout the final furlong, but was well in charge as she stayed on strongly to prevail by five lengths.

Timmons said: “We don’t have her long, to be honest. Just looking back through her form, I thought that she might appreciate a step up in trip. She seemed to stay going quite well, so this race came up. It was a risk, but thankfully it paid off. There’s a hurdle race on New Year’s Day in Fairyhouse, so we will see how she comes out of today.”

Off the mark

Dermot Weld’s Aratayvo got off the mark in the Irishinjuredjockeys.com Maiden over a mile. Chris Hayes rode him to challenge a quarter of a mile out and the pair stuck to their task to lead close home. They won by half a length at 11/2 for owner W.R. Carter.

Hayes said: “We probably overfaced him after a good run (second) in a Naas maiden last year when running him in the Goffs Million.

“Gelding him has certainly helped his demeanour. He showed good fortitude to get up there.

“I’d like to think he could become a decent handicapper next year.”

Holding form

Pat Flynn’s Gallo Dell Cielo is holding his form well and his regular pilot Robyn Donaghue-Leahy conjured a second victory from him.

He was another horse up in trip, to a mile and a half in Division 1 of the HRI Best Turned-Out Flat League Handicap, and he eyed the leaders throughout.

Donaghue-Leahy urged him into the lead a furlong and a half down and the 4/1 chance was all out close home to hold Vivacious Lady by a neck for owner Jeffrey Mahany.

The jockey said: “Probably doesn’t want an inch further! It is his first time up the trip and you never know, but he did it very well.

“He was there to be shot at - he was by himself a long way out, but he’s good and genuine.”

TOM McGuinness is having a fine time in Dundalk and picked up his third winner of the month with Esticky End (16/1) in Division 2 of the HRI Best Turned-Out Flat League Handicap.

Jack Cleary was on board for the trainer and owner Stephen McGuinness, and rode his mount to the front a quarter of a mile from home. He was tough in the final furlong of this new trip and he sailed in by a length and a quarter.

Cleary said: “He was good and genuine - he kept his head down and kept galloping away to the line with me, so I couldn’t be happier with him. Tom just said to bounce him out and that he should stay the trip well.”

Back on song

San Andreas resumed winning ways in Dundalk a fortnight ago for Joseph O’Brien and followed up in the Horse Racing Returns To Dundalk Friday 10th January 2025 Handicap.

The eight-year-old gelding travelled strongly for Shay Wallace who guided him to the head of affairs a furlong and a-half down.

From there, nothing could reel them in and they passed the post with a length and a-quarter in hand at 5/1.

Wallace, in the Annus Mirabilis Syndicate colours, said: “He did it very well again, maybe even a little bit better than the last time. He is very good and I think the trip (extended 10-furlongs) is suiting him a lot better.”